Andrea Dossena rarely convinced despite memorable goals against United and Real Madrid while Diego Cavalieri, David Ngog and Philipp Degen simply rarely appeared.

Albert Riera at least provided some genuine width on the left but even he had lost his place by the end of the campaign to a rejuvenated Yossi Benayuon, perhaps Liverpool’s most consistently impressive performer during the closing months.

While the Premier League was always the priority during the campaign, progress was again made deep into the Champions League.

Chelsea, though, once again proved an insurmountable obstacle, the surprise 3-1 home leg defeat decisive despite a creditable attempt to claw back the deficit in an remarkable eight-goal return encounter.

That game was followed the week later by the similarly astonishing 4-4 draw against Arsenal as Benitez’s side finally banished any suggestion they are a negative team.

However, Liverpool didn’t last long in either domestic competition. A largely second-string’s Carling Cup defeat at Tottenham posed questions about the strength of the squad while the FA Cup exit to neighbours Everton was a significant low point in the campaign.

The ongoing debate over Benitez’s future was finally settled by the signing of a new five-year contract, which in turn led to a clutch of players swiftly following suit.

There even appears to be a steady peace between American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. But with chief executive Rick Parry departing as an apparent victim of Benitez’s battle for greater controls behind the scenes, and the Academy set-up being reviewed, there remains a certain state of the flux.

So too Xabi Alonso’s career. The Spaniard, close to leaving last summer, produced his most impressive campaign but appears increasingly likely to depart for Real Madrid.

Compatriot Pepe Reina was another of the season’s best performers, although ahead of him Jamie Carragher will face fierce competition next term from Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger while Benitez must decide how best to replace Sami Hyypia.

With the manager needing to sell to supplement his transfer funds, Dossena and the infuriating Ryan Babel are prime candidates to be moved on, although Lucas Leiva, also unfairly dubbed a flop by the naysayers, has started to blossom in recent months.

Barry, Valencia’s David Silva and Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez are among several players Benitez has assessed as he seeks the “one or two” major signings he believes can nudge Liverpool ahead of their rivals.

Whoever arrives, though, will be acutely aware the weight of expectation now rests heavy on their shoulders. Anfield expects.